It's Going To Be Another Star-Spangled Fourth Of July At Mammoth

At A Glance

Where

Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

Here we go again with good news. Mammoth Mountain plans to remain open - once again - for skiing and snowboarding until Independence Day. It's a bonus that's been offered four of the last seven seasons.

Here's why the 2011 season can be extended: Mammoth has a base depth of 15-20 feet of packed snow. That puts it among the top totals in the entire world. La Nina lived up to its expectation dumping record-breaking powder over Mammoth's 3,500 skiable acres. The snowfall officially ended California's draught that has lingered since 2008. Mammoth is currently at 157 percent of its seasonal average for precipitation.

More than a million skiers and riders have skied or snowboarded at the High Sierra resort so far this never-ending season and that number will keep growing until, well, the fireworks start glowing.

Those visiting late in the season during May and June are likely to get on the slopes early to get a half-day of skiing and riding in, then turn into the summer mode. Mammoth offers golfing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or playing in a mountain stream.